Thankful List 2012

'Tis the season to show gratitude, and so I shall.   (A little effort at full disclosure - I have run around all morning like a chicken with my head cut off, thrown myself a little tantrum, and really haven't put much thought into this - as I never dreamed I would actually get to it today.)

1.  For Jesus who loves me in spite of my many, many flaws (tending to think I don't have too many being just one of them).
2.  For Nathan.   There is just so much to say here.   He makes me laugh.  He works hard.  He is the best dad to our children.  He drives me crazy, but I cannot imagine a life without him.
3.  For Jillian.  She is beautiful, smart, and funny.  She is a wonderful helper with the Little Man.  She is a parent's dream - for the most the part.  
4.  For Harrison.  There are no words.   He is ridiculously cute.   He is funny and makes the best faces.   Yes, he is bad at times.   Should I be thankful for the stretching of my parenting skills?   He is definitely doing that with his stubborn, strong-willed, contrary spirit.
5.  For our families.   I know that not everyone has the situation that we have.   We have such wonderful parents and sisters.   We have awesome brother-in-laws.  And the nieces and nephews are fantastic.  It is such a blessing to be a part of, not one but two - of this type of family.
6.  For fly swatters.   That might seems kind of random, but I hate flies.   The older I get, the more disgusting I find them.   It brings me joy to remove them from my home.
7.  For plans.   I know that having plans does not guarantee that things will happen as you hope (you know I know that).  Having plans is exciting, though.   Having our house plans and thinking about what this will look like once it is all completed, that is fun.
8.  For beautiful weather.   I put my Christmas tree up this morning and did so with the windows up.  I think that might be a first.   It has just been such a wonderful fall.  
9.  For friends.   God has graciously given me some wonderful people throughout the course of my life.   People that I will cherish - whether I see them frequently or never again.   Special people have helped make my life special.
10.  For music.   I always have a song in my heart.  Music can make me happy.   It can make me want to dance.   It can make me cry.  It can move me to worship. 
11.  For Les Mis the movie.   No, I haven't seen it.   No, it isn't even out yet.   I am so excited about the thought of it, though.   Just the previews make me smile.  
12.  For my school.   Can I just tell you that I love my job?  And I love my co-workers.   And I really do enjoy being with my teenagers.    I call them my "big babies," and most days, I do enjoy being with them.  
13.  For Nathan's job.   This year we have had to deal with something we weren't prepared for and didn't really know how to handle.   His being laid-off in January was a frightening deal.   God provided for us during that 3 month time in so many different ways.   And then He provided a job for Nathan.   It might not be perfect, but we are grateful for it everyday.
14.  For our home.   Yes, we are trying to sell it.   Yes, we are prepared to move into a new home.   But this will always be the first home we owned together.   It is the only home our children have known.   We have had birthday parties and fun times.   We have also sat here in the quiet of our home and cried and healed and grown.  
15.  For memories.   There are times when a memory just floods my mind.   I can be back in high school (not something I wish for) in an instant.   On days like today, I can just feel myself sitting on a bench in the middle of Ouachita's campus.   I love looking at old photos and remembering events, emotions, and people.   What a gift God has given us to have this ability!

May you find yourself thankful in this celebration season.   For little things and big ones.   For new things and old ones.   Happy Thanksgiving!